Senior citizens rally to protest bill eliminating senior arcades

POMPANO BEACH — — Dozens of senior citizens waving signs saying "arcades pay taxes" and "we are not sweepstakes, take us off their bill" crowded the sidewalk outside of Johnny's Rec Room on Sunday afternoon.

Some came in wheelchairs and others leaned on walkers as the cars raced by occasionally beeping their horns in support.

The group rallied on West Copans Road to protest a bill in the State Legislature that would eliminate senior arcades, in addition to Internet cafes. Similar protests were held in Delray Beach and West Palm Beach on Sunday afternoon.

Supporters of the senior arcades say the Legislature shouldn't lump together the senior arcades and Internet cafes since the arcades don't give out cash prizes or "sweepstakes" like the cafes.

Many say the arcades are like "social clubs" where senior citizens go to talk with friends and eat meals together.

"It gives seniors a reason to get up, get dressed and go out instead of vegetating in front of the TV," said Ken Krogman, 71.

Patrons at the arcades play games of skill and receive redemption prizes in the form of Publix or Visa gift cards or other prizes, say the supporters. Whereas, players at Internet cafes get "sweepstakes entries" for buying time online and can receive cash prizes.

Mary Healy worries that she won't be able to take her 75-year-old, mentally challenged sister to Johnny's Rec Room anymore if the bill passes. She says playing the low-stakes games is like therapy for her sister.

"It's the first time in her life that she can do what everyone else does," she said. "It's freedom."

There are 10 senior arcades in Broward County and about 50 in Palm Beach County. Mitch Fisher, owner of Play It Again in Davie and Boardwalk in Tamarac, says at least 6,000 people a month play at his arcades.

"They're nothing more than a Dave & Busters or Chuck E. Cheese's," said Fisher of the senior arcades.

Gale Fontaine, president of the Florida Arcade Association, said the courts ruled in 2006 that the senior arcades are not gambling institutions. She said the gaming lobbyists tacked senior arcades onto the bill at the last minute.

Both Fontaine and Fisher say the Legislature needs to separate Internet cafes from the senior arcades or else thousands of seniors state-wide could be affected.

Those protesting at the edge of the road agreed.

"They can't close the arcades," said 84-year-old Florence Geller. "There's no place else for us to go."